Artist interprets historic Pine Castle for a new generation

Orlando, Florida -- Pine Castle Pioneer Days, Inc., recently announced its selection of a painting by local art student Charity Hill to promote its upcoming annual festival.

Hill used vintage photographs and sketches of poet Will Wallace Harney’s historic home on Lake Conway to render a unique composite of the original “Pine Castle.” Her preliminary version depicts Mr. Harney seated on the porch of his landmark 1870s residence, reading to his young son. She is currently completing final touch-up work on the 24” x 30” acrylic painting with gloss varnish.

Hill will publicly unveil the final version of her iconic image at a downtown Orlando fundraiser scheduled for November 4, 2010.

The original “Pine Castle” was destroyed by fire many years ago, though its name has been perpetuated by various churches, businesses, and civic organizations in the neighborhood south of Orlando. And, since the early 1970’s, a festival has celebrated the community spirit inspired by pioneer settlers like Harney.

The next Pioneer Days festival is scheduled for February 26 and 27, 2011, and will be held at 5933 Randolph Avenue, on grounds surrounded by a collection of other historic structures. Hill’s image will be featured on posters, t-shirts, and other items as part of organizers’ marketing efforts.

Charity Hill is a native of Orange City, Iowa, whose family moved to Orlando when she was just three years old. She was first inspired to paint professionally six years ago, when she was asked to help a friend decorate a beach condominium, and is currently pursuing a fine art degree at the University of Nebraska.